Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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629. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the financial breakdown of the Túsla, Child and Family Agency, budget for 2016; the allocation that has been granted to family resource centres in the budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38111/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I am pleased to be able to inform the Deputy that significant extra resources have been allocated to Tusla for 2016. The 2016 gross funding allocation under Budget 2016 includes an allocation of €676 million for Tusla, representing an increase of €38 million over the 2015 allocation. This includes €662.4 million in current expenditure and €13.6 million in capital expenditure.

The overall level of funding that I have provided will significantly strengthen Tusla's base funding level and will give the Agency greater capacity to respond to current risk and anticipated demand, addressing areas of currently unmet need during 2016. The additional resources are intended to alleviate service pressures in child welfare and protection services. This level of provision addresses all of the key priorities identified by Tusla and considered to be achievable during 2016.

In accordance with the Agency's establishing legislation, my Department will be issuing a detailed Performance Statement to inform the preparation of Tusla's Business Plan for 2016. This Statement will set out the key priorities I will require of Tusla in the coming year. Tusla's Business Plan will set out the full breakdown of the 2016 allocation, including amounts allocated to the Family Resource Centres. I am very pleased that having asked Tusla for a detailed business case setting out the basis for seeking additional resources in 2016, I have been able to provide significant extra funding that will strengthen their funding base and secure delivery of quality services.